130936: Should the layoff bonus be distributed to all the heirs?

My husband died, may Allah have mercy on him, and he has heirs, married sons and daughters, minors and a second wife. We received a layoff bonus from his work -- who is entitled to it? Is it all the heirs or only the minors?.

Praise be to Allaah.

The layoff bonus is given to employees based on the years
of service, one month for every year or according to whatever was agreed
between the employee and the company. It is money that the employee is
entitled to take during his lifetime or it may be paid to his heirs after
his death.

Based on that, this bonus should be added to his wealth and
divided among all his heirs. Similarly, if your husband was owed debts or
any other dues from others, then when it is received it should be added to
the estate and distributed to all the heirs.

With regard to that which is paid by social insurance or
social security to the wife or minors, this is a kind of help or assistance
from the state and should only be taken by the one who is entitled to it
according to the conditions stated by the system, and is not to be included
with the estate of the deceased.